Construction of a multi-million dollar parkade in Banff to ease parking problems is back on the discussion table.
Banff council has asked administration to come up with cost estimates and funding options for the design of a new parkade, and possibly new surface lots, for 2015-16. A location has not been determined.
Council scrapped talks on an $18 million, 240-stall parkade on Wolf Street by Mineral Springs Hospital during budget deliberations earlier this year, preferring to go after the Alberta government for funding for infrastructure projects that serve the needs of tourists.
“We know it’s $18 million to $20 million to build a parkade and our existing operating budget is $28 million,” said Councillor Grant Canning.
“This is a massive capital improvement and takes a tremendous investment, but I think it’s important we go through this process. I think it’s important we get the true cost out there.”
The current parking inventory of 1,421 parking stalls is about 125 shy of what’s currently needed in busy times in Banff, with projections that shortfall will grow to 360 stalls in 10 years and 600 in 20 years.
Studies have indicated that roughly 30 per cent of traffic in Banff’s downtown core is caused by drivers circling while looking for parking.
Some councillors raised concerns. “I really think building a parkade isn’t going to fix the problem,” said Coun. Corrie DiManno.
Canning also suggested town-owned land on Wolf Street, between Bow Avenue and Lynx Street, could also be considered as a surface parking lot. It is a heavily treed piece of property.
“How much would it cost to clearcut for a surface lot?” he asked.
